How do you size a rental chiller?

From the building's actual peak cooling load in tons (one ton is 12,000 BTU per hour), ideally using building automation trend data for the same season, not the nameplate of the chiller being replaced.

Does a portable chiller need a generator?

Often. Temporary chillers draw a lot of power, and the building's chiller circuit may be out of service during the work. If available electrical capacity isn't enough, we size a generator for the chiller's full-load and starting demand plus any pumps.

Do you rent chillers outside Houston?

Yes. Zebrix is based in The Woodlands and serves Greater Houston and facilities across Texas.

Is Zebrix a certified veteran-owned business?

Yes. Zebrix Group is an SBA-certified service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) and Texas VetHUB certified (VID 21829539), so rentals can count toward HUB Subcontracting Plan and veteran-participation goals.

Temporary cooling

Portable chiller rental in Houston

Zebrix Group rents portable chillers in Greater Houston and across Texas for planned shutdowns, emergencies and peak demand. We size the chiller to your building's actual cooling load and connect it to your existing chilled-water loop, so air handlers and terminal units keep working normally while your plant is down.

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When a portable chiller is the right call

A portable chiller carries a building's chilled-water load when the permanent plant can't.

A planned chiller replacement or repair takes the central plant offline.
An unexpected failure leaves critical spaces without cooling.
Peak demand or added load pushes the existing plant past what it can deliver.

How we size and connect it

We start from the building's actual peak cooling load in tons, ideally from building automation trend data for the same season, not from the nameplate of the chiller being replaced. Then we check the chilled-water loop for tie-in points, valves and pump capacity, and plan temporary pumps and hoses where they're needed.

Power, placement and the rest of the setup

Temporary chillers draw a lot of power, and the building's chiller circuit may be out of service during the work. If the available electrical capacity isn't enough, we pair the chiller with a generator and temporary power distribution. Chillers also need level ground, clearance for airflow and service, and a hose route that doesn't block traffic or exits.

One team for the work and the rental

Because Zebrix is also the HVAC and mechanical contractor, the people who size and connect the rental are the same people who understand the system it is carrying. There is no hand-off between a rental company and a mechanical crew.

Certified and licensed. SBA-certified service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB), Texas VetHUB certified (VID 21829539), and TDLR Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractor license TACLA00169073C. Based in The Woodlands, serving Greater Houston and Texas.

Frequently asked questions

Can a portable chiller connect to our existing chilled-water system?: Yes. That's the main advantage of a portable chiller: it ties into the building's chilled-water loop, so air handlers and terminal units keep working normally. We check tie-in points, valves and pump capacity first, and add temporary pumps and hoses where needed.
How do you size a rental chiller?: From the building's actual peak cooling load in tons (one ton is 12,000 BTU per hour), ideally using building automation trend data for the same season, not the nameplate of the chiller being replaced.
Does a portable chiller need a generator?: Often. Temporary chillers draw a lot of power, and the building's chiller circuit may be out of service during the work. If available electrical capacity isn't enough, we size a generator for the chiller's full-load and starting demand plus any pumps.
Do you rent chillers outside Houston?: Yes. Zebrix is based in The Woodlands and serves Greater Houston and facilities across Texas.
Is Zebrix a certified veteran-owned business?: Yes. Zebrix Group is an SBA-certified service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) and Texas VetHUB certified (VID 21829539), so rentals can count toward HUB Subcontracting Plan and veteran-participation goals.